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International Students

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Driver's License or State I.D. Application

• Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Information on Driver's Licenses, Car Registration, Insurance
• Pennsylvania Residency Requirements for Driver's Licenses

Eligibility Requirements for Non-US Citizens

F-1 and J-1 Students and Spouses Obtaining a Driver's License or State I.D. in Pennsylvania

Foreign Students and their husbands and wives must provide the following documents to get a driver's license:

1. A letter from the Directorate of International Student Advising confirming the student's enrollment in classes at Penn State. Request for Driver's License or State I.D. Letter.

2. Passport, visa, and I-94 card. (It does not matter if the visa in your passport has expired.)

3. The student's I-20 for those in F status; or
   The student's DS-2019 for those in J status.

   Important: length of time on I-20 or DS-2019

   Students and spouses must have at least one year left before the completion date in section 5 of the I-20 or the end date in section 3 of the DS-2019 in order to qualify for an initial driver's license.

   Students applying for Optional Practical Training qualify for a license if the end date of the OPT on page 3 of the I-20 is more than one year from the date they apply for a license.

   For renewal of Pennsylvania Driver's Licenses, you do not need to have 12 months left on the visa document; licenses can be renewed until the end date on the I-20 or DS-2019.

4. Two documents showing where you live. Preferred documents include leases, housing contracts or mortgage papers; utility bills; and W-2 tax forms. However, when students don't have two of these, the Driver's License Office has been willing to accept other documents, such as a letter from the University Housing Office mailed to their on-campus residence.

5. Social Security Card if you are eligible for a Social Security Number. If you cannot obtain a Social Security Number, you must obtain a letter from the Social Security Office stating that you are ineligible for one. The Driver's License Office will then use the Admission number on your I-94.

Note: students who do not qualify for a Pennsylvania Driver's license can drive for one year if they have a valid foreign driver's license and an international driving permit. Find out where in your country to obtain an International Driver’s Permit: http://www.drivers.com/article/207/